Once you have made your demand upon the defendant for the specific amount of money you wish to seek in court and have received no response, you may file your claim. The first step is to fill out a form called "Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court.":

The form is also available at the Small Claims clerk's office or you can download the fillable form. Once you complete the form, mail or deliver it to the clerk's office with a check made payable to Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo for the appropriate amount.

You may also request a form packet by mail. Include a self-addressed envelope with two first-class stamps with your request.